On April 13, the capital of the Republic of Korea hosted top-level bilateral talks, which determined new incentives for further developing the constructive dialogue, expanding the trade-economic interstate relations. Warmly welcoming the Turkmen leader to Korea, Ms. Park Geun-hye thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit the Republic of Korea. As the head of friendly state noted, this visit is a momentous event in the history of the two countries’ relations, to development of which great importance is attached. Regular different-level meetings are clear evidence of the good dynamics of interaction, which testifies to giving a strategic character to the trust-based partnership, and aiming it at concrete results. Appreciative of the kind words and cordial welcome, the Turkmen leader congratulated Ms. Park Geun-hye and all the organizers of the VII World Water Forum on its successful organization, having mentioned that the issues of water supply and consumption are one of the most topical ones for the whole of humanity. The issues can be solved only through general discussion and adoption of combined measures, at what the forum, participated by representatives of Turkmenistan, is aimed. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that Turkmenistan regards the Republic of Korea as a friend and a reliable, promising partner, and aims at broad mutually beneficial cooperation, based on the enormous economic potential available and goodwill of the two countries’ peoples. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of the Turkmen-Korean cooperation, concretized approaches to the elaboration of a long-term strategy of effective interaction in various branches of economy. Prospects for cooperation in the field of high technologies, in which the Republic of Korea is one of the leading countries, were in the focus of an interest-based exchange of opinions. The heads of two states unanimously spoke in favor of developing the fruitful dialogue in the humanitarian-cultural sphere, expanding close contacts in the field of education and science, healthcare, as well as sports and tourism. Establishment of direct air service (which is being negotiated by our respective agencies) will contribute to achievement of these goals. During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on topical regional and international issues of mutual interest. Then, the enlarged talks were held in a large conference hall with participation of the government delegations of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. The leader of nation Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed sincere gratitude to the Korean leader for the warm welcome, excellent conditions created for fruitful joint work. Highly appraising the profoundness and productivity of the meeting with President Park Geun-hye, the Turkmen leader said that practically all top-priority areas of bilateral cooperation, such as foreign policy, economy, trade, and the humanitarian relations had been given consideration. As the head of Turkmen state noted, the parties had confirmed strong mutual interest and acknowledged their willingness to develop the bilateral relations. We share common principles and approaches to a number of key issues of modern international policy. First of all, it is enhancement of stability and security in the world, in Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific Region. Exchanging views on this issue, we have confirmed our countries’ readiness for further close cooperation within large international organizations, first and foremost, the United Nations Organization, the head of state continued. Today, Turkmenistan is paying special attention to the development of relations with the Asia-Pacific region, identifying it as a strategic trend of its foreign and foreign economic policy. In this context, our country evinces positive interest to the activities of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). We see real prospects for cooperation between Turkmenistan and the ASEAN, and are ready for close and substantial interaction with this international organization, the nation’s leader said, having emphasized that our country reckons Korea as one of its key partners in this context. One more important issue of the Turkmen-Korean dialogue is the confidence-building measures in Asia, creation of strong political conditions for progressive advance of relations between the states, based on recognized international legal norms and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. Turkmenistan welcomes the international community’s activities aimed to ensure and strengthen security and stability in this part of the world, support the measures for preventing and settling conflict situations. We confirm the similarity of approaches to such present-day issues as promotion of sustainable development, counteraction to global threats: terrorism, extremism, illicit drug turnover. One of the pressing issues on the international agenda today, is compliance with the non-proliferation regime of mass destruction weapon, and disarmament in whole. We highly appreciate the efforts of the Republic of Korea in this direction and have respect for the idea of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the head of Turkmenistan stressed. Our country is one of the initiators and active participants in the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia. Coincidence or similarity of Turkmenistan’s and the Republic of Korea’s opinions on major international-policy aspects is stipulated by a similar attitude to modern global issues and ways of their tackling. That very fact allows us to say that our states’ proposals on international cooperation further advancement complement each other. For example, “The Eurasian Initiative” and the “Silk Road Express” project of President Park Geun-hye, aimed at creating reliable energy, transport-communication corridors, destined to enhance economic relations on the continent, to a large extent coincide with the global initiatives of Turkmenistan in the energy and transport security sphere, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted. In this context, the Turkmen leader emphasized the wisdom of working out joint proposals for the development of energy and transport infrastructure, and their follow-up discussion by specialized international agencies, in particular, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. It was also noted that the Republic of Korea had supported Turkmenistan’s candidacy for the election to the UN Economic and Social Council for 2013-2015 and the UNESCO’s Executive Board for 2013-2017. In turn, Turkmenistan supports a nomination of Korea for the UN governing and specialized agencies, and other international organizations. These also serve as eloquent examples of mutual understanding in views on vital issues of modern development, which makes it possible for us to build trust-based and open bilateral relations, to actively participate in multilateral events, including the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum. We are currently studying with due respect a proposal of Korea to establish the Forum Secretariat, destined to permanently coordinate implementation of adopted resolutions, discussion and realization of specific cooperation projects, the head of Turkmenistan said. This year, we are widely celebrating the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. Having announced 2015 the Year of Neutrality and Peace, we would like to share our experience and achievements with the world community in the issues of maintaining peace, security, stability and sustainable development, the nation’s leader informed. The celebration of the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutral status both in our country and in many friendly states, including the Republic of Korea, is a good opportunity to demonstrate the world that Turkmenistan’s neutrality is not only high international status, but also an efficient political instrument, capable of making a positive impact on tackling the regional and international issues. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Turkmen leader invited Ms. Park Geun-hye to participate in the International Conference, devoted to the policy of neutrality to be held in Ashgabat on December 12 this year. Turning to the agenda of the enlarged talks, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov focused on the trade-economic relations, which traditionally have a special place in the priorities of the Turkmen-Korean cooperation. Over a period of years, the largest Korean companies, such as “LG”, “Hyundai”, “Samsung”, “Daewoo”, “Kia Motors”, and others have been successfully working in various sectors of Turkmenistan’s economy. Among the major projects carried out with their participation are the construction of a gas desulfurization plant at the “Galkynysh” field, renovation of the Turkmenbashi Refinery Complex, construction of a gas-chemical complex for production of polyethylene and polypropylene in the village of Kiyanly. Today, the cooperation is reaching a new level. Among the projects to be launched and the ones under negotiation are the second phase of the Turkmenbashi Refinery Complex renovation, construction of a gas-to-liquids plant, and a metallurgical plant, etc. Nearly half of the public transport fleet of Turkmenistan is comprised of Korean-made buses and cars. The partnership in this area has proven its effectiveness, and our country aims at its continuation on a long-term basis. For example, “Hyundai Motor” is considered as one of the official suppliers of vehicles for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games to be held in Turkmenistan in 2017. Discussion of the issues of bilateral economic cooperation at meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation (established in 2008) contributes to their efficient handling. The fifth regular meeting of the Commission took place in Seoul on April 10 this year. Along with the traditional spheres of economic cooperation – energy sector, petrochemical industry, and transport – we have opportunities to development partnership in new areas, the Turkmen leader continued. They are the textile and chemical industries, urban and road-transport infrastructure construction. The use of this potential will greatly facilitate the increase in volumes of bilateral trade turnover, and improvement of its structure. In this regard, the head of state highlighted the importance of encouraging active participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, establishing contacts between entrepreneurs of the two countries. Regular bilateral business forums will make a contribution to this as well. The first such business meeting was held in Ashgabat in this year’s March. Today, experience and achievements of the Republic of Korea, in particular, in the field of high technology are highly-acclaimed in Turkmenistan, which is following the path of fundamental progressive reforms. In this connection, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov placed special accent on a number of concrete areas of cooperation. Thus, building up high-tech production in the field of solar energy is one of the attractive projects, in the implementation of which Turkmenistan relies on cooperation with Korean partners. At present, Turkmenistan is building an extensive network of transport-transit and multimodal logistics infrastructure in the “East-West” and “North-South” directions in partnership with a number of neighboring countries. It will include transit corridors with access to the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, and Baltic Sea Regions. This opens up the best way to the European and Middle Eastern markets from the Asia-Pacific Region via Central Asia. In this context, cooperation in the transport sector is one of the priority directions for the Turkmen-Korean relations development in the near future, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. Much significance is assigned to further deepening of the humanitarian relations, the President of Turkmenistan continued. In recent years, Culture Days of Korea in Turkmenistan and Turkmenistan Culture Days in Korea have been organized. A concert of Korean dance groups has been held in our country, as well. This year we are ready to host the “Caravan” Event, annually organized by Korea. In turn, our country would like to send a delegation of Turkmen workers of culture and art masters to the Republic of Korea to organize a national exhibition, which will provide an opportunity for the Korean people to become acquainted with Turkmen culture. Focusing on the theme of education, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted a great contribution made by the International Cooperation Agency of Korea (KOICA) to developing the relations in this field. For many years, the Agency has been organizing courses in different specialties, which are taken by Turkmen specialists. The higher education system in the Republic of Korea is recognized as one of the most developed in the world in terms of quality, and Turkmenistan is certainly interested in educating our students at your country’s universities, the nation’s leader Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said, having proposed to consider increasing quotas for Turkmen young people, who are sent to study in the country of morning freshness. In his speech the President of Turkmenistan touched upon cooperation in the field of sports, in which a good start had been already made. This topic is of particular importance in the light of the preparations for the upcoming 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat. The Republic of Korea’s extensive experience in organizing large international sporting events is of great interest to Turkmenistan in terms of its practical use. The Turkmen leader also noted the considerable potential available and objective necessities in establishing closer relations in the field of science, healthcare, tourism, having spoken for working out concrete joint plans of cooperation in the areas between the two countries’ relevant institutions on a systematic and long-term basis. In conclusion, the Turkmen leader expressed confidence that the meeting would contribute to strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our countries and peoples. The head of the Republic of Korea was grateful to President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov for his in-depth analysis of the potential and prospects for further cooperation. Having expressed total support for the initiatives announced by the Turkmen leader to strengthen the Turkmen-Korean business and humanitarian ties, Ms. Park Geun-hye described them as extremely important and indicative of Turkmenistan’s commitment to step up efforts to construct bridges of trust and productive partnership with Korea. The representative composition of the Turkmen delegation is an illustration of it as well, the Korean leader continued. We have conducted the very concrete talks on different areas of cooperation, discussed distinct possibilities from a practical point of view, the President of Korea continued, having stressed that the content of the Turkmen leader’s ideas and initiatives on the promotion of cooperation testifies to a new approach, new philosophy in the development of bilateral cooperation. - You have a truly innovative way of thinking regarding the most efficient ways to realize mutual, complementary potential of our countries, Ms. Park Geun-hye said, addressing the Turkmen leader and expressing gratitude for the valuable proposals that had been already taken as a basis for further joint work. Speaking of the prospects for bilateral cooperation and emphasizing their enormous potential, the Korean leader identified personal support of President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov given to the projects entrusted to the Korean companies as an important factor in its successful realization. Partnership in the transport sector is one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. The creation of transit corridors, logistics centers, a multimodal system of long-distance goods transportation is a particularly important activity for all countries of the continent, which is capable of providing renewed impetus to universal progress and the Turkmen-Korean relations, Ms. Park Geun-hye stressed. Today, new prospects for cooperation are opening in the field of sport as well, Ms. Park Geun-hye said, having noted that the Republic of Korea has accumulated extensive experience in organizing and hosting large sports events, including the Asian Games. We are ready to share our best practice to enable Ashgabat to become a worthy successor to Incheon, which hosted two events – the Asian Indoors Games and the Asian Martial Arts Games in 2013 for the first time in history. Passing the baton, we are also eager to work together to do everything possible to hold the 2017 Games at a high level, the President of the Republic of Korea assured. We also intend to develop our relations in the sphere of education, youth policy, student exchanges, and are willing to provide more opportunities for university education of Turkmen men and women in Korea, for cooperation of teachers in training of highly-qualified personnel for your country. We are ready to place our capabilities for the benefit of bilateral cooperation, the interests of our countries’ friendly peoples, Ms. Park Geun-hye stressed once again. After the enlarged talks, a ceremony of signing bilateral documents, aimed to give new impetus to the development of mutually beneficial partnership, was held. The documents signed are: the Contract between the Turkmenbashi Refinery Complex and the consortium of companies – “LG International Corp.” and “Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.” (the Republic of Korea) for designing and constructing (ready for operation) a diesel fuel hydrotreating facility, a gasoline desulfurization unit, delayed coking and catalytic cracking units, producing hydrogen at the Turkmenbashi Refinery Complex; the Framework Agreement between the “Turkmengaz” State Concern and the consortium of companies – “LG International Corp.” and “Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.” (the Republic of Korea) on making a contract for designing, purchasing equipment and constructing a gas-to-liquids synthetic fuel plant in Turkmenistan. Then, the heads of two states affixed their signatures to the Memorandum of Understanding between the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of Korea and Trade Insurance Corporation of the Republic of Korea; the Memorandum of Understanding on development of new projects in the metallurgical industry in Turkmenistan between the Ministry of Industry of Turkmenistan and “Daewoo” International Corporation; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in sports between the State Sports Committee of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. The Protocol of the fifth session of the Joint Intergovernmental Turkmen-Korean Commission for Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technological Cooperation; the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Korea; the Convention for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the Republic of Korea were also adopted. To the applause of the ceremony attendees, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye put their signatures to the Joint Statement. Besides, the normative legal base of the relations between our countries was replenished by other documents adopted during the official visit by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov. They are: the Memorandum of Understanding between the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea-Central Asia Friendship Association; the Memorandum of Understanding on scientific and technological cooperation between the Solar Energy Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and “SN Engineering” Corporation of the Republic of Korea; the Protocol between the “Turkmengaz” State Concern and the International Cooperation Agency of the Republic of Korea on the improvement of potential of the Oil-and-Gas Vocational School in Mary velayat, Turkmenistan; the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of textile technologies between the Ministry of Textile Industry of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea; the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation in healthcare and medical science between the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea. In the afternoon, the President of Turkmenistan met with Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Mr. Chung Ui-hwa. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov affirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening of the by-now established contacts, as well as to further expansion of the relations with the Republic of Korea, having noted in this regard the importance of parliamentary support in achieving the goals of cooperation. As the Turkmen leader emphasized, our country is a rapidly developing country with great economic potential, enormous natural resources, rich history and culture. In this context, the President of Turkmenistan noted with satisfaction similarity between the two countries. The Republic of Korea has reached a high level of development in a short span of time. I believe that your country’s fundamental legislation and legal framework are the foundation of this, the head of state said. Having noted the importance of broadening the inter-parliamentary ties, which play a significant role in establishing closer relations and mutual understanding between the states and peoples, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov expressed interest in making direct contacts between the two countries’ law-making bodies. Exchange of experience in the legislative activity between parliamentarians of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea, implementing various reforms (which are beneficial to the protection of the constitutional rights and interests of the two countries’ citizens) is considered perfectly reasonable. In conclusion, the Turkmen leader thanked once again for the warm welcome and invited the Speaker of the National Assembly to the celebrations to be held in Turkmenistan in honor of the 20th anniversary of neutral status. Then, the motorcade of the head of Turkmen state proceeded to the Sungkyunkwan University, where a solemn ceremony of conferring the title of “Professor Emeritus of the Sungkyunkwan University” on President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov was held. The outstanding event brought together representatives of the scientific community of the Republic of Korea, the faculty and students of the University, members of the official delegation of Turkmenistan. Opening the grand ceremony, Chairman of the Sungkyunkwan University Academic Council, the head of Postgraduate Department Mr. Loon Vaughan Lee warmly greeted the eminent guest on behalf of the attendees, having stressed that the day would go down in history of the University as a particularly momentous occasion. The Chairperson of the University Academic Council also familiarized the ceremony participants with the large-scale scientific activity of the President of Turkmenistan. The Turkmen leader-initiated comprehensive reforms aimed at bringing Turkmen science to a new high level and advancing mutually advantageous international cooperation in this area are being implemented in Turkmenistan under his personal direction. The resolution on conferring the academic title of “Professor Emeritus of the Sungkyunkwan University” on President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov was announced by the members of the Sungkyunkwan University Academic Council in a particularly solemn atmosphere. The Turkmen leader was honored with this high title for his great personal contribution to strengthening friendly, fraternal relations between the Turkmen and Korean peoples, for the outstanding achievements in developing the bilateral ties in the field of science and education. As was noted, the University has bestowed the honorary title on a President of state first-ever in its history, and it is a matter for special pride for the University. Interestingly, a certifying diploma was issued under the number 90. Then, the Sungkyunkwan University Rector made an address to the ceremony attendees. Having congratulated heartily the Turkmen leader on the honorary academic title, Mr. Chung Kiu Sang noted the significance of the event in cementing the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples. To the enthusiastic applause of the ceremony participants, the University Rector put the gown of Doctor Emeritus of the Sungkyunkwan University on the President of Turkmenistan and presented the certifying diploma to the Turkmen leader. Speaking to the people assembled, the Turkmen leader expressed gratitude for the high title of Doctor Emeritus of the Sungkyunkwan University, which has a history of over 600 years and is ranked among Asia’s best universities. “I regard this as a token of respect for Turkmenistan, recognition of our country’s achievements in the field of science and education, a sign of friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea”, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. Having spoken for establishing substantial interaction between the two countries’ scientific communities, universities and sectoral universities, the Turkmen leader expressed confidence that close relations between leading education institutions and research centers play a very important role in the exchange of present-day knowledge as a platform for long-term joint scientific work. It is currently central in the light of the development of fundamental and applied sciences, natural sciences, and creation of new trends of research in Turkmenistan, the head of state continued. Besides enormous reserves of oil and gas, our country has a wealth of other natural resources, including such a unique natural resource as the sands of the Karakum Desert, which occupies most of the territory of Turkmenistan. Sand is a source of silicon, which is in high demand in the world market today, particularly as a raw material for solar battery production. Moreover, it is one of the most topical directions of the “green” industry” development. In this connection, the head of state invited Korean scientists, professors, the teaching staff and students of the Sungkyunkwan University to participate in research activities jointly with our country on the development of ecologically safe solar energy industry, creation of new technologies for obtaining silicon from sand and manufacturing solar batteries. The leader of nation also noted the need for effective development of partnership in the humanities – oriental studies, history and archaeology, linguistics and culture studies. Having spoken for establishing direct contacts between the Magtymguly Turkmen State University and the Sungkyunkwan University, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has emphasized that there is much we can learn from each other. In this context, the implementation of joint educational programs is seen to be necessary and beneficial. Pending the issue of broadening the exchange of students between the two countries’ universities, the Turkmen leader noted the importance of the talks with the leadership of the Republic of Korea, at which the sides had discussed prospects of increasing the number of Turkmen students, who study at Korea’s universities. In turn, we are ready to host students and teachers from Korea, specializing in the study of Turkmenistan’s rich history and culture, and its foreign and domestic policy, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. Concluding his speech, the President of Turkmenistan once again thanked the management of the Sungkyunkwan University for the high appraisal of his activity, and wished the students success in their studies, and the faculty – new achievements in their noble profession and research activities. The nation’s leader also invited the administration and staff of the Korean University to Ashgabat to take part in the festivities in honor of the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, and during their visit to our country to become acquainted with the ongoing large-scale work on improving the system of education and science, to assess prospects for interaction with Turkmen colleagues. To mark the event, an exhibition was organized in the higher education institution. Published in many languages, the works by the Turkmen leader including the volumes of “Medicinal Plants of Turkmenistan”, new books “Water – the Source of Life and Abundance”, “Health is the Source of Happiness”, and others had pride of place. A collection of the works by Magtymguly in the Korean language, albums, carpets, video discs and booklets about Turkmenistan were on display, as well. A wonderful photo exhibition, devoted to the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality was opened nearby. Impressive photographs taken by photographers gave an opportunity to Korean visitors to gain a clear insight into the diversity of achievements made by Turkmen people in the new epoch, our fundamental transformations, and remarkable progress in various spheres: from horse breeding to the oil-and-gas sector. Accomplishments in the agro-industrial complex, textile industry, transport-communications sector, culture, education, science, sports and tourism were captured in excellent photographs. Then, having parted warmly with the ceremony attendees, the head of Turkmenistan left for his residence – the “Lotte” Hotel, where the Turkmen leader met with President of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Cho Dae-hyun. In the evening, an official dinner in honor of the high Turkmen guest was given on behalf of the President of the Republic of Korea in the “Cheongwadae” Palace, at which the two leaders exchanged speeches, having confirmed their countries’ adherence to the relations of friendship and mutual trust, a policy of advancing the constructive political dialogue, full-scale economic and cultural cooperation. From the “Cheongwadae” Palace, the motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to the airport of Seoul, from where the leader of nation departed for his native country.